Tea Time
The Little Free Libraries are intended
for community members to take a book
and then leave a book. If you want to take
a book but don’t have one to replace it,
then you could always bring a book back
next time. Sometimes the libraries will be
naturally stocked because users follow the
guidelines, but APA and LFL work together
to make sure they stay full.
“LFL is wonderfully supportive,” said
Anthony Liberatoscoli, chair of APA and
steward of the Astoria Park LFL. “They are
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able to stay in touch with us about publicizing
the library and keeping it stocked and
fluid, and they supply the library itself. My
favorite part is being able to walk through
the park and seeing something that exists
that didn’t before.”
Part of being a LFL steward is making sure
the books are plentiful. Aside from the aid
Liberatoscoli has received from LFL, a representative
from Scholastic, the children's
and young adult book publisher, donated
a year's supply of books.
“In this particular location, it is close to the
playground, so it gets a lot of action from
families and young people. It’s great being
in the park and seeing people browse
who are excited about reading,” Liberatoscoli
said.
According to Liberatoscoli, the idea of installing
a Little Free Library in Astoria Park
was first considered in the fall of 2017 as
APA members were brainstorming ideas for
possible 2018 projects. APA received funding
in early 2018 through the Parks Equity
Initiative (backed by the City Council), and
pitched the NYC Parks Department on the
idea. After getting the approval from the
Parks Department and choosing a site for
the library, they purchased it from LFL in
March of 2018.
Liberatoscoli first saw a LFL in a playground
at the other side of the neighborhood.
“Astoria Heights Playground had a community
library in 2017 or 2018, and I saw it
and heard about it and thought, ‘Hey, why
not get that in Astoria Park as well,’” Liberatoscoli
said.
Astoria Heights Playground went through
some heavy renovations around 2014 when
the group Friends of Astoria Heights Park
received a $1.6 million grant to fix erosion,
staffing and safety issues. Many neighbors
(including Liberatoscoli) credit Astoria resident
Lynn Kennedy for initiating the grant
ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT
Photos by Allison Kridle